“ From the smartphone Annie Leibovitzes to the Instagram Ansel Adams, it seems that everybody is a photographer these days. This is a fact teachers can and should take advantage of in the classroom – and for many reasons more than to expand the student photo repertoire beyond the selfie (though that is certainly an admirable goal). While a good lesson in photography itself is a fruitful place to start, digital photography can be a launching point for lessons in writing creatively, thinking critically, expanding the student worldview and building empathy that extends far outside the classroom. Let’s take a look at a few of the best photo sites out there today and discuss a number of ways you can make the most of them in your classroom.”
Via John Evans

Louise Robinson-Lay's insight:

Images tap our imagination. Here is a list of photo sites to use in the classroom.

“ Flippity is a very good tool that you can use on Google Spreadsheets to create flashcards and quizzes. The flashcards you create can be either printed or shared online through a generated link. The process to create a flashcard using Google Spreadsheet is pretty easy. Here is how to do it:”
Via John Evans

We all love sharing things on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks. But there's some things that are better off left private. So how's one to decide what they should share? You might think you have a post that all of your friends and followers will love, but how can you be sure? The answer…

Users hand draw their levels using a pencil, grid paper, and specific markings called “glyphs,” and then Pixel Press transforms that schematic into a modifiable, playable, and sharable digital version. very powerful game based learning tool. #plearnchat

“ Today might seem, in appearance, like another regular August day. However, if you are one of our users, you might find that it is, indeed, a special one. Why? We are announcing three great new additions to your favourite personalised learning platform,...”

Louise Robinson-Lay's insight:

Flash cards are a good, quick way of sharing facts and provocations. These ones sit online.

In writing, music, photography and other areas, “outdated” technologies have initially been valued for their retro, nostalgic appeal in the hipster culture. Vinyl is one of the most notable technologies…

Louise Robinson-Lay's insight:

A good discussion point. If we regress, technologically, are we progressing creatively? This was a reduction of this article which discusses reductionist and determinist views of technology.

“ Earlier this week Larry Ferlazzo wrote a good post about how he is using Clyp.it to have his ELL students create and share short audio recordings. His post even includes an example from a student. I had not heard of Clyp.it prior to reading Larry's post so I had to try it out.”
Via John Evans

Louise Robinson-Lay's insight:

Clyp.it allows short audio recordings to be made. Richard Byrne checks it out here.

“Michael has a large pile of handwritten notepads that he would like to convert into Microsoft Word documents I have many A4 pads of handwritten notes, which I would like to convert into Microsoft Word documents.”

Louise Robinson-Lay's insight:

If you want to take notes by hand but also want to keep the notes digitally, be warned, you may have limited success with OCR software. One Note, my favourite piece of Microsoft software, seems to be the best option to creating digitised, handwritten notes. Kinda defeats the purpose of toting that Moleskin around though.

Social media added to learning can be fun, and a minefield. Twitter is an easy way of doing it successfully. The infographic here gives teachers some great reasons to use Twitter with their classrooms.

While this sounds like a good idea, I don't really see what advantages this would bring if they cant download them to the device as well. The Scoop says it only works when students are in close proximity, so what is the difference between looking at your screen or looking at their own? And how would I know they were looking at the slides, and not Facebook? Interested in thoughts from this group.....?

Explain Everything is a whiteboard and screencasting app that makes creating interactive lessons a simple proposition. Its full-featured editing options and its import/export functions allow it to stand apart from the other competitors

Screen casting is a great way to flip your classroom. Explain Everything helps you to create the videos you want for your lessons. It offers features like an interactive whiteboard so that you can annotate.

I don't usually include tools that cost, but Explain Everything is one app I was willing to purchase with my money. It lets you record a presentation and then export is as a mp4 to your camera roll, so you can share it with others. Great for the flipped classroom.

Macworld Australia is the premier Australian source for news, reviews, help, how-tos, and expert opinion for the Australian Apple market, including the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Both in print and online, Australian Macworld is your ultimate source for your Mac-related lifestyle.

Louise Robinson-Lay's insight:

Finally! I downloaded the Microsoft apps a while back but was frustated by the fact that they would only open as read only documents.now users can access them and be able to use them for free without having to have a 365 account. You can also put them on your phone, although that has limited use for most of us.

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Creating engaging newsletters with your curated content is really easy.